Emotional Reflexes.
Inside this post: Uncover the meaning of emotional reflexes and gain insight into how you, personally, are wired with emotional reflexes. In addition, discover student resources that encourage and promote healthy emotional reflexes in the classroom and beyond.
Reflex.
The definition of a reflex describes that it is an automatic response to a stimulus.
One of the images that comes to mind when I think of a reflex is this:
Beyond our physical reflexes are our emotional reflexes.
Emotional reflexes are the immediate responses we have without thinking.
Think for a minute about an emotional reflex (or two) that you'd like to work on - honing in on how you can fine tune this response to be healthier and more productive...
Do you have a short temper and are quick to anger?
Are you easily offended?
Do you automatically assume the worst?
Are you quick to worry/be anxious?
Emotional reflexes can be altered.
YOU can change your immediate response when you commit to the practice.
It's not easy, after all, these are reflexes because they have been ingrained as automatic responses.. They are the emotional "go-to's" when triggered in specific ways.
I challenge you to work on making your mind the healthiest place it can be.
This takes dedication, practice, and perseverance. 👍
It's easy to go to the places in our mind that are habitual - where the emotional reflexes are thriving.
Determine a reflex that you can improve for healthier emotional response. 😊🤓
Specifically, I see that our students need skills in the areas of growth mindset and positive thinking.
Often, students can perceive a task as "too hard" and want to give up before they start - they may act out with behaviors, they may shut down or they may cry and break down in tears...😭😢 These are their emotional reflexes - their immediate response to triggers.
Wouldn't it be AMAZING if the emotional reflex of our students, when faced with a difficult task, was that of a growth mindset?! 🌞🧠🌿
Or, when there is a less than desirable outcome, a bad day, or a challenge - the emotional reflex was to focus on the positive?!
These are beneficial brain health habits for you and your students!
And they can be taught and solidified!
I know for fellow SEL-junkies that this is the stuff that makes you SO EXCITED.
Because when teaching these skills to students you are giving them a gift for life (read more about the pivotal role of this learning HERE).
You are empowering them to have healthy, productive mindsets - and that, my friend, is the goal.
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